THREE men who took part in an attack on a man with baseball and cricket bats have been put on probation for a year.

Preston Crown Court heard how Mohammed Asghar, 32, of Logwood Street, Blackburn; Sajjad Haider, 30, of Bowland Street, Blackburn; and Parvez Hussain, 33, of Bastwell Road, Blackburn, joined the attack on Kamran Khalik in the Bastwell Pub.

All three admitted the affray which took place on September 11 last year. Mr Arthur Stuttard, prosecuting, said there had been a dispute between the three man and Mr Khalik. On the night of the attack they had armed themselves with baseball bats and cricket bats, along with two other men who the court heard were still at large.

Mr Khalik was spotted on a petrol station forecourt in Whalley Range but ran off when he saw the three men.

After seeking refuge in the Bastwell Pub Mr Khalik was beaten round the head causing injuries including a cut which needed seven stitches.

The court heard the worst of the violence was inflicted by one of the two men still at large. Mr Philip Andrews, defending Asghar, said he had been on good terms with Mr Khalik. The dispute occurred several weeks earlier and had nothing to do with Asghar, he said.

Mr Andrews added: "He was not the principal offender. He tried to stop the main man becoming further involved."

Counsel for the other two men said they had only shouted and tried to restrain the main attacker.

Mr Justice Sachs said: "This is an event that was plainly out of character. It occurred a long time ago.

"This was an ugly, unpleasant and cowardly incident of which you should all be ashamed. I doubt very much whether it will occur again."